(Archived) Praxair Announces Energy and Fuel Charge For Cylinder Gases In The U.S. and Canada

DANBURY, Conn., March 20, 2003 — Praxair Distribution, Inc. a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. (NYSE: PX) is notifying customers in the U.S. and Canada of an energy and fuel charge, effective immediately. The charge is due to the surging increase in energy costs arising from diesel, natural gas and fuel oil prices.

The specific amount of the charge will vary between  $2 and $4 per delivery, depending on regional cost situations and specific contract terms.

Transportation charges for bulk oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and helium have been implemented effective March 12 as previously announced by Praxair.

Praxair Distribution, Inc. and its subsidiaries and distributors deliver a large array of industrial and specialty gases, equipment and supplies, technical expertise, and services to thousands of customers in the United States and Canada. With hundreds of locations throughout North America, Praxair provides differentiated product and service offerings that help customers achieve their objectives faster, better and at lower total cost.

Praxair is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2002 sales of $5.1 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric and process gases, and high-performance surface coatings. Praxair products, services and technologies bring productivity and environmental benefits to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, chemicals, food and beverage, electronics, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and others. More information on Praxair is available on the Internet at www.praxair.com.